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JBSA News
NEWS | Sept. 30, 2010

AirFest plans take shape

By Shannon Carabajal 502nd Air Base Wing OL-A Public Affairs

With barely a month left until AirFest 2010, the air show planning committee has kicked into high gear finalizing an amazing lineup of events to wow those visiting Lackland Air Force Base for the two-day event.

The one-of-a-kind U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the gravity-breaking Army parachute-jumping Golden Knights team, and Tora! Tora! Tora!, a reenactment of Pearl Harbor, will headline the show at Lackland's Kelly Field Annex Nov. 6-7.

"As we get closer to November, I'm getting more and more excited about AirFest. We're going to be putting on a great show and I hope everybody gets an opportunity to come see the awesome history of airpower we're featuring either overhead or displayed on the ground," said Lt. Col. Robert Montes, AirFest director.

The show, coinciding with San Antonio's year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of military flight in Texas, will commemorate and showcase the accomplishments of military aviation with a wide variety of aerial performances and static displays composed of past and present military aircraft.

The colonel said AirFest 2010 will feature more than 100 aircraft and other displays available for public viewing, including military Warbirds, and displays from the Navy, Marines, and Army.

Organizers are also working to make sure the event is fun for the entire family.

Various children's activities will be available including a rock climbing wall, videogame trucks, bounce castles and entertainment from Radio Disney.

First Lt. Natassia Cherne, 502nd Air Base Wing OL-A Public Affairs, said the weather could be hot - temperatures reached into the 80s during the 2008 air show - and visitors should be ready to spend a day outside surrounded by loud noises. She recommends that visitors come prepared with sunscreen, sunglasses and, most importantly, ear protection.

"Ear protection is the (most important) thing we ask people to bring. It's going to be very, very loud out there. People can find ear protection at sporting goods stores or weapon shops," she said.

With security being Lackland's No. 1 priority, visitors will be prohibited from bringing concealed weapons, ice chests, backpacks, large bags, alcohol, skates and skateboards. These items must be left in the vehicle. Pets, with the exception of assistance or guide dogs, will not be allowed at the event.

Gates for AirFest 2010 will open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 6-7. For more information, visit http://www.lackland.af.mil/airshow.